Get the best experience and stay connected to your community with our Spectrum News app. Learn More
Continue in Browser
Get hyperlocal forecasts, radar and weather alerts.
Please enter a valid zipcode.
Save
After eight years as head coach of RPI men’s hockey, Dave Smith was fired from that role on Monday morning.
“I’m grateful for Dave for his eight years. He’s done a great job to compete in the ECAC,” said Kristie Bowers, director of athletics at RPI. “This leadership change will be an opportunity for us to again advance the program, and look for someone to take us to the next level.”
The Engineers saw their season come to an end Friday night in a 5-2 loss to Harvard in the ECAC Opening Round. RPI finished the season with 12-21-2.
“It became clear after our game on Friday night I had some hard thinking to do over the weekend, and this decision was not taken lightly this morning,” Bowers said.
In seven seasons at RPI, Smith posted an 87-152-19 record after being hired prior to the 2017-18 season. ECAC didn’t have a hockey season in 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
“Our team was not good enough this year,” Bowers said. “We need somebody who is going to develop the skills of our student-athletes.”
Smith had signed a five-year contract extension in Aug. 2022. He still had two years left on this current deal.
RPI will begin a national search immediately for its next head coach.
